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thing she had not remembered about Arundel himself that might help Ian? It was, after all, seven years since she had spoken to the man. Then she smiled again, a real smile, not a mechanical curving of the lips, and her eyes brightened. It was an appropriate moment. Ian had just returned to his seat beside her. He was delighted at her self-possession and her seeming pleasure, although he was sure she was not deceived by the king's words and manner. However, Alinor's expression had little to do with Ian and, had he known the reason for it, he would have been appalled. Alinor had remembered what it was about Arundel that pleased her. Sir Guy had sold the king's messenger's horse in the town of Arundel, and Sir Guy was obviously just the man she needed for what must be done. |
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The next ten days were furiously busy for both Alinor and Ian, but the pressure was inordinately greater on Alinor, who dared not give the appearance of doing anything more than waiting on the queen, buying at the enormous fair that had opened to cater to the court, and visiting friends. The fair in particular was a godsend. It was there that she was able to meet a young knight-errant who sported a close-clipped beard and mustache in King John's style. Alinor complained sharply that he had ridden across her path so suddenly that her horse shied. The young knight apologized most sincerely, saying his mind had been elsewhere. The lady would not be so easily appeased. Low-voiced, she continued to scold. The knight-errant apologized again, at length, even dismounting to stand beside the lady's stirrup. Still she scolded, and, murmuring assurances, the knight remounted and rode along with her to her destination. If anyone had noticed the young knight when he arrived at Winchester, they might also have noticed that he was much richer after that chance encounterbut no one did notice. Word of the king's tourney was spreading, and every knight-errant within riding distance was making his way toward the town to |
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